Barrier system

ABSTRACT

A barrier system is provided for absorbing the forces generated during collisions with vehicles. The system includes a plurality of interconnectable modular blocks that have a controlled rate of compression. The blocks connect with one another while allowing pivotable movement. In addition, an anchor system is provided that allows one or more blocks to be secured to the ground or to the floor, while still allowing the secured blocks some degree of pivotable movement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to barriers. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to modular vehicle barrier systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In almost any context where a person uses a vehicle, there are anumber of potential risks to the safety of that person. One risk is thatthe vehicle will collide with an object causing injury to the personand/or damage to the vehicle. Often times, such collisions occur withobjects that are deliberately placed in specific locations to serve avariety of purposes. For example, a driver will encounter any number ofobjects along a highway such as telephone or utility poles, highwaydividers, or bridge supports to name a few.

[0003] In some contexts, repetitive and frequent collisions areexpected. For example, go-kart racing has become particularly popular.In go-karting, the vehicles are relatively small and light; however, thedriver is completely exposed and the speeds achieved can be very high.For example, with concession go-karts, speeds of about 40 MPH arecommon. Concession go-karting generally means that for a fee, a personis allowed to ride a go-kart around a track and is generally availableto the public. In go-kart racing, go-karts are currently achievingspeeds in excess of 80 MPH, further increasing the risk.

[0004] To define a go-kart course, a rigid structure (e.g., a wall) canbe provided to define the course and that structure could then beprotected. More commonly, some type of safety barrier is actuallyutilized to define the course. For example, stacked rubber tires can bebolted or otherwise connected together to define a course having anydesired shape. If a go-kart crashes into the barrier, the resiliency ofthe rubber along with the shape of the tires provide somewhat of acushioning effect. It had been found that when tires are bolted orotherwise connected together, the structure is surprisingly rigid and isnot ideally suited as a track barrier.

[0005] Another type of go-kart track barrier includes a plurality ofblocks that are aligned to define the track. A number of these blocksare secured together with a cable that wraps around them, again makingthe barrier more rigid. This is necessary to prevent the go-kart fromsimply going through the barrier and striking an object or a personbehind the barrier.

[0006] Thus, while barriers are available to provide some degree ofsafety in different contexts, there exists a need for an improvedvehicle safety barrier.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention, in one embodiment, includes modular blockthat is pivotably interconnected with one or more other blocks to definea barrier system. The barrier system is extendable to any length and canbe used to protect an object or to define a course of any shape, such asa go-kart track. Each modular block is hollow and is provided with anexposed vent. Upon impact, the block collapses to a certain extent. Thevent controls the rate at which the contents of the block are expelledunder a given force, thus controlling the compression rate of the block.In addition, the contents of the block affect the rate of compression.For example, a block filled with air will compress more rapidly and withgreater ease that a block filled with water or sand. A fixed anchorsystem is provided to secure the end blocks to the ground. The anchorsystem is fixed to the ground at one end and is coupled to the block atthe other end. The anchor system allows for pivotal movement so that theblock has some freedom of movement. Anchors can also be used atintermediate points along the barrier to define the contour of thebarrier system. The modular blocks are interconnectable through a taband slot configuration and each modular block can be pivoted withrespect to an adjoining block.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention is a barrier comprisinga plurality of pivotably coupled modular blocks, each having acompressible hollow interior and a vent.

[0009] In another embodiment, the barrier further includes an anchorhaving a base fixed into a position and an anchor pin rotatably coupledwith one of the modular blocks and pivotably coupled to the base.

[0010] In another embodiment, the anchor further comprises a springcoupled between the base and anchor pin, wherein the spring is biased toresist pivotable movement between the anchor pin and the base.

[0011] In another embodiment, the anchor further comprises a base shaftextending from the base in a direction parallel to the anchor pin. Theanchor also includes a plate coupling the anchor pin to the spring sothat the anchor pin is offset from the base shaft.

[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a pluralityof means for absorbing an impact and means for coupling the means forabsorbing impact.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention is a modular blockfor use in a barrier system that comprises an upper surface, a lowersurface, a first side panel, a second side panel, a proximal end and adistal end that define a hollow interior cavity. The modular block alsoincludes an arcuate proximal tab depending from the proximal end andhaving a channel therethrough, an upper distal tab depending from thedistal end and having a channel therethrough, a lower distal tabdepending from the distal end and having a channel therethrough and adistal gap formed between the upper distal tab and the lower distal tab.The distal gap is similar to the proximal tab. The modular block alsoincludes a vent allowing venting of the hollow interior cavity uponcompression of the modular block.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention is a go-kart trackbarrier system comprising a plurality of pivotably interconnectablecompressible modular blocks, each having a vent to control a rate ofcompression of the modular blocks, wherein a course of the modularblocks define at a least a portion of the go-kart track. The system alsoincludes an anchor having a first end that is fixed into position andsecond end pivotably coupled with the first end and rotatably coupledwith a modular block.

[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention is a barrier systemcomprising a plurality of compressible modular blocks, wherein eachblock includes a proximal tab having a channel therethrough and anarcuate abutting surface. Each block also includes an upper and lowerdistal tab that define a distal gap wherein the distal gap includes anarcuate receiving surface and the distal gap is shaped to receive aproximal tab from an adjoining modular block, the upper and lower distaltabs each having a channel therethrough so that a connecting pin passingthrough the channel of the upper and lower distal tabs of a first blockand through the channel of the proximal tab of a second block pivotablycouple the first block and the second block.

[0016] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodimentsof the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description. As will be apparent, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is perspective view of a modular block of a barrier systemconsistent with the principals of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of modularblocks.

[0019]FIG. 3 is partially sectional, perspective view of an anchorsystem.

[0020]FIG. 4 is top, planar view illustrating the barrier system wrappedaround an object.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a top planar, partially sectional view illustrating afirst course of modular blocks interconnected with a second course ofmodular blocks.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a barrier system defining ago-kart racing track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In general, the present invention provides a barrier systemsuitable to absorb and manage the impact of vehicle collisions, whileprotecting one or more objects and/or defining a course of travel forthe vehicle. FIG. 1 illustrates a modular block 10 that is useful informing such a barrier system. Generally, a plurality of the modularblocks 10 will be interconnected to form the barrier system.

[0024] The modular block 10 is a hollow structure having a proximal end12 and a distal end 14. Disposed therebetween are a pair of side panels18 (only one is visible in FIG. 1), an upper surface 20, and a bottomsurface 22. The modular block 10 can be constructed from any suitablematerial that provides sufficient strength to resist the expectedcollisions while still providing an appropriate degree of flexibility.Plastic, such as low to medium density polyethylene, is one suitablechoice in the go-kart context. For larger vehicles traveling at highspeeds, such as in NASCAR racing, a stronger material such aspolyurethane may be utilized.

[0025] The size of the modular block 10 as well as the thickness of thematerial will vary depending upon the expected use of the barriersystem. For example, for concession go-karts, an exemplary modular block10 may be about 52 inches in overall length, may have a height of about20 inches and width of about 16 inches. The wall thickness may be about{fraction (3/16)} of an inch. With these dimensions and thickness, about50% of the strength of an air filled modular block 10 is utilized when a450 pound go-kart (weight of go-kart and driver) strikes the block 10 ata speed of 40 MPH. For the higher speed go-kart racing, the wallthickness can be increased and/or a material can be used to fill in theblock 10, as explained in greater detail below.

[0026] A vent 24 is provided on a raised portion 25 of the upper surface20 of the modular block 10. The vent 24 is an orifice into the hollowinterior cavity of the modular block 10. When the modular block 10 isstruck by a vehicle or any moving object having sufficient force, theside panel 18 will be deflected inward to some degree. In order for thisto occur, the contents within the hollow cavity are at least partiallyexpelled through the vent 24. By properly selecting the size of the vent24, the rate of compression under a given force can be chosen.

[0027] After a collision having a certain force of impact, the modularblock 10 may be deformed. That is, the resiliency of the modular block10 will normally cause it to re-expand into the shape illustrated aftercertain collisions. This re-expansion will generate a vacuum which drawsair into the hollow interior through vent 24. However, some impacts maydeform the modular block 10 beyond the point where its resiliency cancause it to re-expand. In such a case, pressurized air (or anothermedium) can be introduced through the vent 24 to re-expand the modularblock 10.

[0028] Various materials can be contained within the hollow interior.For example, air, water, other liquids, sand, foam, or saw dust are justsome of the possibilities. The particular material chosen will modifythe overall mass, resiliency, and resistance of a given modular block10. In addition, the various materials will affect the compression rateof the modular block 10 for a given vent 24 size. Of course, a givenmaterial could be added to partially fill the hollow cavity, allowingair to remain in the unfilled portion of the cavity. In such a case, itmay often only be air that is expelled from the vent 24 during minorcollisions.

[0029] Side panel 18 may include a plurality of ribs 26 disposed below(as illustrated) a flat face 28. The flat face 28 can serve as an areato place various kinds of advertising, warnings, instructions,directions, or other printed matter. The printed matter could be addedto another material such as paper, cardboard or any other suitablematerial which is then temporarily or permanently affixed to the flatface 28. Alternatively, the printed matter could be applied directly tothe flat face 28 through various printing, painting, or any othermarking techniques. The opposite side (not illustrated) can also includeribs and/or a flat panel or it could have a different configurationaltogether.

[0030] The ribs 26 and a rib 30 disposed above (as illustrated) the flatface 28 serve a variety of purposes. The ribs 26, 30 are raised from theside panel 18 and can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example,in one embodiment modular block 10 is constructed from plastic and theribs 26, 30 are simply molded portions of the structure. Alternatively,the ribs 26, 30 could be separate structural elements that are added tothe side panel 18.

[0031] The ribs 26, 30 serve to provide additional strength to themodular block 10. In addition, at least ribs 26 are positioned to be thelikely point of impact for a given collision. For example, in onecontext the modular blocks 10 will be used as a vehicle barrier todefine a go-kart track, as will be described in greater detail below.Some go-karts are provided with a bumper that defines the outerperimeter of the go-kart. For such a case, the position of the ribs 26and the overall size of the modular block 10 could be chosen so thatposition of the ribs 26 coincides with the size and location of thebumpers. This allows the most likely point of impact to occur at astrengthened location. In addition, in a context such as go-karting,collisions are to be expected frequently. Thus, the ribs 26, 30 can bemade or painted to have a color that matches that of the bumpers so thatnormal wear and tear is less visible. Alternatively, the ribs 26, 30could be colored as a warning indicator.

[0032] The number, location, and configuration of the ribs 26, 30 can bemodified. For example, the ribs 26, 30 could be made to have anenlarged, flattened contact area to increase the amount of area that isin contact with the colliding vehicle. Likewise, the number of ribs canbe increased to achieve a similar result. If desired, the thickness ofthe side wall can just be increased and no ribs may be provided.

[0033] To form the modular block 10, various known molding techniquescould be utilized. Rotational molding can be used wherein a powder resinis placed inside a mold. The mold is rotated about three axes whilesimultaneously being heated. The powder melts, conforms to the shape ofthe mold and is then allowed to cool. Blow molding could also beutilized to form the modular block 10.

[0034] The modular block 10 has a shape that allows a plurality ofblocks to be securely and pivotably coupled together. More specifically,an arcuate proximal tab 32 depends from the proximal end 12. Dependingfrom the distal end 14 are an arcuate upper distal tab 34 and an arcuatelower distal tab 36, which together define a distal gap 38 therebetween.Each of the tabs 32, 34, 36 may be hollow and coupled with the hollowinterior, or may be solid members. The distal gap 38 has an arcuatereceiving surface 42 for receiving a similarly arcuate abutting surface40 of the proximal tab 32. That is, the proximal tab 32 of one modularblock 10 is inserted into the distal gap 38 of an adjacent modular block10. The shape of the arcuate abutting surface 40 and the receivingsurface 42 facilitate rotational movement between the adjacent modularblocks 10.

[0035] The adjacent modular blocks 10 need to secured together once theproximal tab 32 has been inserted into the distal gap 38. A connectingpin 50 is inserted through a upper distal pin channel 46, a proximal pinchannel 44 of the adjacent modular block 10, and the lower distal pinchannel 48. A pin cap 42 prevents the connecting pin 50 from passing allof the way through. Once so assembled, connected modular blocks 10 arelinked together; however, they can rotate or pivot with respect to oneanother.

[0036] A doughnut shaped cylindrical spacer 56 can be provided to fillin a distal gap 38 that will not be receiving a proximal tab 32 fromanother modular block 10. Generally, when this occurs an anchor system(as described in more detail below) will be provided instead of theconnecting pin 50; however, the concept is the same. Furthermore, theremay be some occasions where it is appropriate to secure the cylindricalspacer 56 with the connecting pin 50. Whether an anchor or theconnecting pin 50 is utilized, it passes through spacer channel 58 tosecure the cylindrical spacer 56 within the distal gap 38.

[0037]FIG. 2 illustrates a barrier system 70 including three modularblocks 10, 60 and 64. The blocks 60 and 64 are coupled together, theblock 10 is positioned to be received by the block 60, and cylindricalspacer 58 is positioned to be received by distal gap 38. As is apparent,any number of modular blocks 10 can be coupled together to form abarrier system 70 of any length. In addition, because each modular block10 is pivotably coupled to the adjacent block, virtually any shape orpattern can be defined by the barrier system 70.

[0038] For barrier systems 70 designed to protect larger and/or fastermoving vehicles, various modifications can be made. For example, theoverall dimensions can be increased. For full size automobiles(especially in a racing context), the modular blocks 10 may be five orsix feet tall. The wall thickness can also increase. In addition, theinterlinking of one modular block 10 to another can be modified. Thatis, as illustrated each block has one proximal tab 32 and one distal gap38. This could be increased so that any number of proximal tabs and acorresponding number of distal gaps are produced in a dove-tail typerelationship.

[0039] A barrier system 70 as described thus far would be useful inproviding a barrier along an existing structural object, such as a wall.That is, the barrier system could simply be placed in the properposition and it would provided some degree of protection duringcollisions.

[0040] The barrier system 70 becomes even more useful when used with theanchor system 80 illustrated in FIG. 3. In summary, the anchor system 80can be used to secure the endpoint(s) of the barrier system to theground or a floor. In addition, the anchor system 80 can be used tosecure any number of intermediate points along the barrier system 70.

[0041] The ground 85 (or a floor or other supporting platform) isprepared by creating a hole 87 sufficiently deep and having a sufficientdiameter to receive an anchor base 82 and an anchor sleeve 84. Theanchor base 82 is preferably permanently secured to the bottom of thehole 87. This can be accomplished by using cement, epoxy or anotherappropriate bonding material. Alternatively, the base 82 could haveexpandable “fingers” that can be driven outward (into the ground 85)after the base 82 is positioned as illustrated. A base shaft 86 iscoupled with the anchor base 82 and extends to the top of the hole 87.An anchor plate 90 is positioned perpendicularly to and rotatablycoupled with the base shaft 86. A spring 88 interconnects the anchorplate 90 with the anchor base 82. Thus, anchor plate 90 is able torotate in the direction indicated by Arrow A by overcoming the springforce of spring 88. Once so rotated, the spring force will return theanchor plate 90 to its rest position when the opposing force, i.e., acollision, is removed.

[0042] An anchor pin 92 is securely attached to the anchor plate 90 andmay include a removable anchor pin cap 94. Anchor pin 92 can be usedinstead of any given connecting pin 50 to interconnect any two modularblocks 10 or to become the terminus of a barrier system 70 by simplysecuring the unattached end of one modular block 10. In the latter case,cylindrical spacer 56 can be used to obscure the distal gap 38. Thus,anchor system 80 serves to couple one or more modular blocks 10 to afixed location in the ground 85. Because of the ability of the anchorsystem 80 to allow some degree of rotational movement, the modularblock(s) 10 also are able to move somewhat during a collision. Were thisnot the case, the anchor points of the barrier system 70 would basicallybe rigid and potentially hazardous.

[0043] In one embodiment, spring 88 is dampened so that after acollision the anchor plate 90 and thus the anchor pin 92 and any modularblock(s) 10 attached thereto slowly return to their rest position.Without this dampening effect and if the spring tension is high, acollision may occur that causes anchor pin 92 to deflect. As it returnsto its rest position, it may again collide with the vehicle with force.A dampening of the spring 88 can prevent this as can properly settingthe spring tension of spring 88 based on the expected force of thecollisions. The spring 88 also serves to absorb the force generatedduring the impact and further enhance the performance of the safetybarrier 70

[0044] As indicated above, the anchor system 80 can be utilized at thestarting or ending points of any barrier system 70. For circular orclosed loop courses, this would be the same point. In addition, multipleanchors 80 can be positioned at any interval desired to prevent thebarrier system 70 from being moved out of its predetermined shape oraway from the object it is used to secure. For example, an anchor 70could be placed at every fifth or sixth modular block 10 by using ananchor instead of the connecting pin 50 to join two modular blocks 10.

[0045] The anchor system 80 can be constructed from steel or any othersuitable material. The pivoting action of the anchor 80, along with theprotective benefits of the attached modular block(s) 10 prevent injuryand damage even when a collision occurs directly at an anchor point.

[0046]FIG. 4 shows a barrier system 70 wrapping around an object 96 andsimply illustrates the ability of the barrier system 70 to assume anygive shape.

[0047]FIG. 5 illustrate how two separate courses of the barrier system70 can be interconnected and also illustrates (in phantom) the anchorsystem 80. As illustrated a first course 100 is interconnected with asecond course 102 by a tee connector 104. Tee connector 104 is a flatplate having two holes therethrough. The connecting pins 50 of theadjacent modular blocks 110, 112 are passed through holes in teeconnector 104. Tee connector 104 is thin enough to be located in a spacebetween proximal tab 32 and distal gap 38. Any number of courses couldbe connected to form any pattern or configuration. Two tee connectors104 can be utilized for each connection point. That is, one is above theproximal tab 32 and one is below the proximal tab 32.

[0048] Thus, a modular barrier system 70 has been provided that absorbsthe force and impact of collisions. This occurs because of the structureof each individual modular block 10, which allows it to compress in acontrolled manner. In addition, each modular block 10 is pivotablycoupled to either an adjacent modular block 10 or a pivotable anchor 80.Thus, the barrier system 70 as a whole absorbs collision impact byallowing the relevant modular blocks 10 to move (to some degree) as awhole. That is, the barrier system 70 itself can deform in a somewhatspring-like fashion.

[0049] Such a barrier system 70 can be used in a wide variety ofsituations. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, the barriersystem 70 can be used as a safety barrier for automobiles andmotorcycles on roads and highways. Because of the easily adjustablenature of the system, the barrier 70 can be used in temporary situationssuch as road construction or in permanent locations such as to surrounda bridge support, as a guard rail, for traffic diversion and control, inparking ramps/lots, or as a highway divider. Barrier system 70 can beused anywhere collision protection or vehicle diversion is necessary ordesirable. The barrier system 70 can also be used in warehouses, loadingdocks and other industrial settings for forklifts and other industrialequipment both to protect that equipment and to protect the surroundingsfrom that equipment. The system 70 can be used in marine applicationssuch as on piers, docks, or wharves. The system 70 can be used in allkinds of sporting an racing events such as auto racing, snowmobileracing, motocross or for go-karts.

[0050] For use as a barrier on roads and highways, the barrier system 70should be sufficiently strong to not only protect the vehicle occupantsand the vehicles, but should also be able to be subjected to significantimpacts while remaining intact. That is, it would be undesirable to haveto replace various modular blocks 10 each time a collision occurs.Obvious, extremely serious collisions would not be the norm, and whensuch extreme collisions occur damage to the modular blocks 10 may beexpected. Conversely, in the go-kart context the force of the collisionsthere would be unlikely to seriously damage the components of thebarrier system 70. In the context of racing cars, such as in NASCAR, thelarge size of the vehicle (e.g., 2000 pounds) coupled with speeds inexcess of 200 MPH can result in very violent collisions. The contactedportion of the barrier system 70 would be expected to provide theappropriate degree of protection; however, in this context damaging ordestroying one or more modular blocks 10 would be acceptable. Thebarrier system 70 facilitates easy modification and replacement allowingany damage components to be easily replaced.

[0051]FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a go-kart track 120 defined byvehicle barrier system 70. Two courses of modular blocks 10 are used.The first is the interior boundary 140 and the second is the exteriorboundary 150. The track 120 is defined by the area between the interiorboundary 140 and the exterior boundary 150. As illustrated, undervirtually any collision scenario go-kart 122 will collide with one ormore modular blocks 10.

[0052] Support poles 126 represent any solid object that may be adjacentthe track 120 and might otherwise pose a collision hazard to the go-kart122. Support poles 126 may include some amount of padding 128, however adirect collision at speed would still be dangerous. With barrier 70, oneor more modular blocks 10 will absorb the impact and reduce the risk ofinjury even if a collision were to occur near support pole 126.

[0053] Alternatively, the go-kart 122 could collide with the barrier 70at some point removed from the support pole 126. In such a case, anumber of things will occur. First, in light collisions the resiliencyof the barrier 70 as a whole may deflect the go-kart 122 back into thetrack, serving the function of maximizing the on-track time of eachgo-kart 122 especially in concession go-karting where speeds arecomparatively reduced, but driver skill and experience is often absent.In harder collisions, one or more modular blocks 10 may be caused topivot and this action may be enough to absorb the impact and eitherstopping the go-kart 122, deflecting it back into the track, or allowingthe driver to regain control without injury or damage. In even hardercollisions, one or more modular blocks 10 may also compress with thecompression resistance being determined by the material forming themodular block 10, the material contained within the hollow interior, andthe escape rate as defined by the vent 24. After such a collision, thecompressed modular block 10 may have sufficient resiliency to re-expandon its own or pressurized air may be blown into the hollow interiorthrough the vent 24.

[0054] No end points are illustrated in FIG. 6. If any exist, an anchor80 would be used to secure that end point. Alternatively, both theinterior boundary 140 and the exterior boundary 150 could form completeloops. In either case, anchors 80 will be positioned at various pointsto control the shape of the course. By way of example, anchor locations130 and 132 are illustrated. Even if an anchor point is where acollision occurs, the pivoting action allowed by the anchor 80 incombination with the modular blocks 10 safely absorbs the force ofimpact.

[0055] As illustrated, the height of a bumper 124 of go-kart 122generally corresponds with the positioning of the ribs 26. Thus, theribs 26 will be the location of any localized abrasions or scuffing thatoccurs from repeated collisions. To diminish the appearance of theseabrasions or scuffing, ribs 26 can be dyed, formed, or painted to havethe same color as the bumpers 124.

[0056] As it may be desirable to frequently modify the go-kart courseover time, barrier system 70 can be easily moved and otherwise modified.The connecting pins 50 and anchor pins 92 can easily be removed fromtheir corresponding modular blocks 10, allowing for any desiredadjustment or modification. There may be times when anchor locations areno longer being utilized after such modifications. The anchor system 80(FIG. 3) can be removed from the ground 85 with relative ease. Becausein some embodiments, anchor base 82 is permanently fixed in place, thatportion alone will remain in the ground. Appropriate covers can beplaced over the exposed holes 87 when an anchor system 80 is removed.

[0057] During operation of the go-kart track facility, operators of thefacility will have need to access various portions of the track. Thus,modular blocks 10 are constructed with sufficient strength andsufficiently planar upper surfaces (and preferably sufficient width) toallow people to walk across the tops of the modular blocks 10.

[0058] While the barrier system 70 has been illustrated as defining ago-kart track, it can also be used for other purposes. For example,barrier system 70, or some portion thereof, can be used to define aboundary. The barrier system 70 can also be used with any bridges on thecourse to both guide and protect the go-kart.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or central attributes thereof. In that the foregoingdescription of the present invention discloses only exemplaryembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that other variations arecontemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited in the particularembodiments which have been described in detail therein. Rather,reference should be made to the appended claims as indicative of thescope and content of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A barrier comprising: a plurality of pivotably coupledmodular blocks, each having a compressible hollow interior and a vent.2. The barrier of claim 1, further comprising: an anchor having a basefixed into a position and an anchor pin rotatably coupled with one ofthe modular blocks and pivotably coupled to the base.
 3. The barrier ofclaim 2, wherein the anchor further comprises a spring coupled betweenthe base and anchor pin, wherein the spring is biased to resistpivotable movement between the anchor pin and the base.
 4. The barrierof claim 3, wherein the anchor further comprises: a base shaft extendingfrom the base in a direction parallel to the anchor pin; and a platecoupling the anchor pin to the spring so that the anchor pin is offsetfrom the base shaft.
 5. The barrier of claim 1, wherein each modularblock further comprises: a proximal end having a proximal tab dependingtherefrom; and a distal end having a gap configured to receive aproximal tab from an adjoining modular block.
 6. The barrier of claim 5wherein the proximal tab is arcuate and the gap is arcuate so thatpivotable movement between two adjoining modular blocks is permitted. 7.The barrier of claim 5, wherein the gap is defined by an upper distaltab having a first channel and a lower distal tab having a secondchannel and the proximal tab includes a third channel configured toalign with both a first channel and a second channel of an adjacentmodular block to receive a pin.
 8. The barrier of claim 1, wherein eachof the modular blocks includes a side panel having a rib.
 9. A barriercomprising: means for absorbing an impact; and means for coupling themeans for absorbing impact.
 10. The barrier of claim 9, furthercomprising means for anchoring the means for absorbing an impact. 11.The barrier of claim 9, further comprising means for controlling thecompression of the means for absorbing an impact.
 12. A modular blockfor use in a barrier system, comprising: an upper surface, a lowersurface, a first side panel, a second side panel, a proximal end and adistal end that define a hollow interior cavity; an arcuate proximal tabdepending from the proximal end and having a channel therethrough; anupper distal tab depending from the distal end and having a channeltherethrough; a lower distal tab depending from the distal end andhaving a channel therethrough; a distal gap formed between the upperdistal tab and the lower distal tab, the distal gap being similar to theproximal tab; and a vent allowing venting of the hollow interior cavityupon compression of the modular block.
 13. The modular block of claim12, further comprising a plurality of ribs disposed on the first sidepanel.
 14. The modular block of claim 13, further comprising a flatpanel for receiving printed matter disposed between two of the pluralityof ribs.
 15. The modular block of claim 12, further comprising acylindrical spacer having a channel therethrough and shaped so that thecylindrical spacer can be selectively received within the distal gap.16. A go-kart track barrier system comprising: a plurality of pivotablyinterconnectable compressible modular blocks, each having a vent tocontrol a rate of compression of the modular blocks, wherein a course ofthe modular blocks define at a least a portion of the go-kart track; andan anchor having a first end that is fixed into position and second endpivotably coupled with the first end and rotatably coupled with amodular block.
 17. The barrier system of claim 16 wherein each blockincludes a plurality of ribs.
 18. The barrier system of claim 17,wherein the ribs are positioned to correspond with an abutting surfaceof a go-kart.
 19. The barrier system of claim 18, wherein the abuttingsurface is a bumper.
 20. The barrier system of claim 16, wherein a firstcourse of modular blocks defines an interior boundary of the go-karttrack and a second course of modular block defines an exterior boundary.21. The barrier system of claim 16, wherein a first course of modularblocks is coupled with a second course of modular blocks with a teeconnector.
 22. A barrier system comprising: a plurality of compressiblemodular blocks, wherein each block includes; a proximal tab having achannel therethrough and an arcuate abutting surface; and an upper andlower distal tab that define a distal gap wherein the distal gapincludes an arcuate receiving surface and the distal gap is shaped toreceive a proximal tab from an adjoining modular block, the upper andlower distal tabs each having a channel therethrough so that aconnecting pin passing through the channel of the upper and lower distaltabs of a first block and through the channel of the proximal tab of asecond block pivotably couple the first block and the second block. 23.The barrier system of claim 22, wherein each block further includes avent to control a rate of compression.
 24. The barrier of claim 22,further comprising: an anchor having a base fixed into a position and ananchor pin rotatably coupled with the first block and pivotably coupledto the base.
 25. The barrier of claim 24, wherein the anchor pin iscoupled with the one of the modular blocks by passing through thechannel of the upper distal tab and through the channel of the lowerdistal tab of the first block.
 26. The barrier of claim 25, wherein theanchor pin also passes through the channel of the proximal tab of thesecond block.
 27. The barrier of claim 25, wherein the anchor furthercomprises a spring coupled between the base and anchor pin, wherein thespring is biased to resist pivotable movement between the anchor pin andthe base.
 28. The barrier of claim 27, wherein the anchor furthercomprises: a base shaft extending from the base in a direction parallelto the anchor pin; and a plate coupling the anchor pin to the spring sothat the anchor pin is offset from the base shaft.
 29. The barrier ofclaim 22 further comprising tee connector to interconnect a first courseof modular blocks to a second course of modular blocks.
 30. The barrierof claim 22 wherein each modular block includes a plurality of ribs. 31.The barrier of claim 22, wherein the modular block define a go-karttrack.